Thunder player back on ice after cancer scare

Sunday

STOCKTON - Brandon Davidson remembers the moment he was informed he had testicular cancer.

STOCKTON - Brandon Davidson remembers the moment he was informed he had testicular cancer.

The 21-year-old professional hockey player was devastated and scared, but was always determined to keep a good attitude and fight the disease.

Assigned to the Oklahoma City Barons of the American Hockey League at the time of the diagnosis in October, Davidson went through surgery and chemotherapy and is considered now to be cancer-free.

After a four-month absence from the ice, the defenseman is working his way back as a member of the Thunder, which hosts the Ontario Reign at 4 p.m. today at Stockton Arena.

Davidson said he wants to put the ordeal behind him and concentrate on hockey, but there are still some reminders of his battle with cancer.

"I feel really good, but my hair hasn't come back yet. It's trying, but I'm still pretty bald," Davidson said. "Physically, I feel great. And I think of these type of things as character testers. They really test who you are and how strong you can be in the bad times."

His strength has earned him many admirers. Players and staff members in Oklahoma City shaved their heads to show solidarity when he underwent chemotherapy, and he received well wishes from fans in the United States and Canada, including Regina, Saskatchewan, where he played junior hockey.

"It's been so heartwarming," Davidson said. "Everyone has been great, and the support of the Oilers and everyone in the organization has been unbelievable."

Thunder coach Matt Thomas said it's easy to be inspired by him.

"You are so proud of someone when you know what he's been through and how he has handled it," Thomas said. "It's pretty special, and it's great to see."

Davidson, a native of Lethbridge, Alberta, has wanted to be a professional hockey player since he was a child and worked his way through the amateur ranks before being drafted by the Oilers in the sixth round (162 overall) in the 2010 NHL Draft. He signed a three-year, entry-level contract in 2012 with the Oilers, who assigned him to the Barons.

Early in the season, he was sent to a routine team physical exam. Davidson had been through many over the years and didn't give it much thought until the physician found a lump.

After additional testing, he was informed it was cancer.

He had surgery Nov. 2 to remove the cancerous tissue and went through one round of chemotherapy that lasted 21 days. He lost 10 pounds during the process but has gained it back.

"Cancer is the word you never want to hear," Davidson said. "When I found out, it was pretty devastating. It's shocking, and there were some bumps along the way. But I think I approached it with a positive attitude and tried to stay upbeat."

Oklahoma City coach Todd Nelson said Davidson's diagnosis caught everyone in the organization by surprise.

"It was a very solemn moment when we found out about Brandon's cancer, and of course you are worried," Nelson said. "All you want to do is show your support and to rally to him. That's why the players shaved their heads, to show they were thinking of him. And we're all thrilled he is now cancer-free."

Nelson said since Davidson missed so much time, the key is for him to get into as many games as possible. Stockton (28-22-9) has a busy schedule, including a stint of four games in five days this week.

"That's why he's here - to play," Thomas said. "The Barons have a fairly light schedule, while we play a lot of games in a short period."

Davidson returned to the ice Feb. 7 and played two games with the Barons before the move to Stockton. He scored twice in his first game with the Thunder, a 2-1 overtime win on Feb. 15. He has three goals and three assists in six games.

Most importantly, he's healthy and playing hockey.

"Considering what happened, I'm very happy to be playing again," Davidson said. "This is what I've always wanted to do, and I'm grateful to be back."